A power management circuit comprises an energy pump, a control circuit and a power consuming circuit. The power management circuit is connected in serial with a current loop in a serial connection with a field device to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage and to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage. The energy pump inputs at least a portion of the insertion voltage, and a feedback sense, and output a charging voltage based on the feedback sense. The charging voltage sources the electrical power output by the power management circuit. The control circuit regulates the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, and modulates the feedback sense in response to an electrical change in the current loop. The power consuming circuit receives the electrical power from the power management circuit.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A process control apparatus, comprising: a field device; a power supply in electrical communication with the field device, the power supply being configured to transmit a loop current to the field device and the field device being configured to regulate the loop current; a power management circuit configured to be in a serial connection between the power supply and the field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage being the source of the electrical power output by the power management circuit; and, a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to a change in the loop current; and, a wireless communication device in electrical communication with the power management circuit and configured to receive electrical power from the power management circuit; a loop current sense amplifier configured to receive loop current sense, and output a loop current sense signal; and an over-current protection circuit that is configured to disable the energy pump if the loop current sense signal exceeds an over-current threshold.
A process control system powers a wireless device using energy harvested from the current loop that powers a field device (like a sensor). A power management circuit sits between the power supply and the field device, creating a small, regulated voltage drop (insertion voltage). An "energy pump" inside the power management circuit takes some of this insertion voltage and boosts it to create a charging voltage. This charging voltage powers the wireless device. A control circuit adjusts the "energy pump" to keep the insertion voltage stable, even when the current in the loop changes. A current sensor monitors the loop current, and if the current gets too high, an over-current protection circuit shuts off the "energy pump" to prevent damage.
2. The process control apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (“HART”) interface configured to communicate with the field device according to a HART protocol, the HART interface configured to be capacitively coupled to the current loop, the HART interface associated with the wireless communication device to facilitate communication according to a HART protocol.
In the process control system described previously, a HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) interface is included. This interface allows communication with the field device using the HART protocol. The HART interface connects to the current loop using capacitors (capacitively coupled). The wireless communication device is linked to the HART interface, allowing it to communicate with the field device using the HART protocol. This allows for both power and communication to be derived from the current loop.
3. The process control apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is configured to regulate the insertion voltage to between about 0.5 Volts Direct Current and about 2.5 Volts Direct Current.
In the process control system described previously, the control circuit ensures that the insertion voltage (the small voltage drop created by the power management circuit) stays within a specific range, between 0.5 Volts DC and 2.5 Volts DC. This ensures efficient power harvesting without disrupting the field device's operation.
4. The process control apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the power supply is a battery, and further comprising: a voltage converter configured to input a DC voltage from the battery and output the charging voltage to the power management circuit.
In the process control system described previously, the power supply is a battery. A voltage converter takes the battery's DC voltage and converts it into the charging voltage needed by the power management circuit's "energy pump". This allows the system to operate even if a dedicated power supply is unavailable.
5. The process control apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the voltage converter and a first terminal of the field device are in electrical communication with a first terminal of the battery, and wherein the power management circuit further comprises: a loop sense resistor in electrical communication with a second terminal of the battery, the resistor configured to provide the loop current sense of a current in the power management circuit.
In the battery-powered process control system described previously, the voltage converter and one side of the field device are directly connected to one terminal of the battery. A loop sense resistor is connected to the other terminal of the battery. This resistor provides information about the current flowing through the power management circuit. This allows the system to monitor the loop current.
6. The process control apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising: a current sense resistor in electrical communication with the second terminal of the field device; and, a processor in electrical communication with the loop current sense amplifier, the processor is configured to receive the loop current sense signal, the processor is configured to disable the voltage converter such that the current in the power management circuit is approximately a loop current of the battery in series with the field device, the loop sense resistor, and the current sense resistor.
In the process control system described previously, a current sense resistor is connected in series with the field device. A processor receives the loop current sense signal from a loop current sense amplifier, which monitors the current flowing through the loop sense resistor. If the current becomes too high, the processor disables the voltage converter. In this state, the current in the power management circuit becomes primarily the loop current from the battery flowing through the field device, loop sense resistor, and current sense resistor.
7. The process control apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising: a field device switch configured to selectively create an open circuit condition for the current sense resistor, and, wherein the processor is configured to control the field device switch to selectively create the open circuit condition for the current sense resistor.
In the process control system described previously, there is a switch that can create an open circuit for the current sense resistor. The processor controls this switch. This allows the system to selectively disconnect the current sense resistor from the circuit.
8. The process control apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the field device comprises a voltage transducer.
In the process control system described previously, the field device is a voltage transducer, meaning it converts a physical quantity into a voltage signal.
9. The process control apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an electrical storage element in electrical communication with the energy pump, the electrical storage element configured to store the charging voltage as a stored power.
In the process control system described previously, an electrical storage element (like a capacitor or battery) is connected to the "energy pump". This storage element stores the charging voltage generated by the energy pump as stored power, allowing the system to accumulate energy for later use.
10. The process control apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the electrical storage element comprises at least one of a capacitor and a battery.
In the process control system with energy storage, the electrical storage element is either a capacitor or a battery, or a combination of both.
11. The process control apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising a voltage regulator in electrical communication with the electrical storage element, the voltage regulator configured to regulate the stored power and output the electrical power of the power management circuit.
In the process control system with energy storage, a voltage regulator is connected to the electrical storage element. This regulator stabilizes the stored power and outputs a clean, regulated electrical power supply for the power management circuit to use.
12. The process control apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising a voltage shunting circuit in electrical communication with the electrical storage element, the voltage shunting circuit configured to prevent an over-voltage condition for the electrical storage element.
In the process control system with energy storage, a voltage shunting circuit is connected to the electrical storage element. This circuit prevents the voltage on the storage element from exceeding a safe limit, preventing damage due to over-voltage conditions.
13. A system, comprising: a power management circuit configured to be connected in serial with a current loop in a serial connection with a field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage configured to source the electrical power output by the power management circuit; and a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to an electrical change in the current loop, wherein the control comprises: a feedback amplifier configured to output the feedback sense to the energy pump, comprising: a first input configured to receive a reference voltage; a second input configured to receive a feedback voltage having a value correlating to a multiple of the insertion voltage; and, an output in electrical communication with the energy pump; and a power consuming circuit configured to receive the electrical power from the power management circuit; a loop sense resistor configured to provide a loop current sense of a current in the power management circuit; and a loop current sense amplifier configured to receive the loop current sense, and output a loop current sense signal, wherein the loop current sense amplifier is in electrical communication with the energy pump, and wherein the loop current sense signal further modulates the feedback sense to disable the energy pump when the current in the power management circuit exceeds an over-current threshold.
A power management system harvests energy from a current loop powering a field device. A power management circuit, placed in series with the field device, creates a small voltage drop (insertion voltage) and extracts power. An "energy pump" boosts a portion of this voltage to create a charging voltage that powers a "power consuming circuit." A control circuit with a feedback amplifier regulates the insertion voltage by adjusting the "energy pump" based on current loop changes. The feedback amplifier uses a reference voltage and a scaled version of the insertion voltage. A current sensor measures the loop current; if it exceeds a threshold, the "energy pump" is disabled.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the loop current sense amplifier is configured to provide a loop current sense signal corresponding to a loop current in the current loop, and further comprising: a processor in electrical communication with the loop current sense amplifier, the processor is configured to receive the loop current sense signal.
In the power management system, a processor is connected to a loop current sense amplifier, which measures the loop current. The processor receives the loop current signal, allowing it to monitor and respond to changes in the loop current.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the control circuit is configured to regulate the insertion voltage to between about 0.5 Volts Direct Current and about 2.5 Volts Direct Current.
In the power management system, the control circuit regulates the insertion voltage to be between 0.5 Volts DC and 2.5 Volts DC.
16. The system of claim 13 , further comprising: a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (“HART”) interface configured to communicate with the field device according to a HART protocol, the HART interface configured to be capacitively coupled to the current loop.
The power management system includes a HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) interface for communicating with the field device. The HART interface connects to the current loop using capacitors.
17. The system of claim 13 , wherein the field device is configured to receive a DC voltage from a battery, and further comprising: a voltage converter configured to input the DC voltage from the battery and output the charging voltage to the power management circuit.
In the power management system, the field device receives DC power from a battery. A voltage converter takes the battery voltage and converts it into the charging voltage required by the power management circuit.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the voltage converter and a first terminal of the field device are in electrical communication with a first terminal of the battery, and wherein the loop sense resistor is in electrical communication with a second terminal of the battery.
In the battery-powered system, the voltage converter and one terminal of the field device connect to one terminal of the battery. A loop sense resistor connects to the other terminal of the battery.
19. The system of claim 13 , wherein the power consuming circuit is selected from the group consisting of a wireless communication device, a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (“HART”) interface configured to communicate with the field device according to a HART protocol, and a processor.
In the power management system, the "power consuming circuit" can be a wireless communication device, a HART interface for communication with the field device, or a processor.
20. The system of claim 13 , wherein the power management circuit further comprises: an electrical storage element in electrical communication with the energy pump, the electrical storage element configured to store the charging voltage as a stored power.
In the power management system, the power management circuit includes an electrical storage element (capacitor or battery) that stores the charging voltage as stored power.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the electrical storage element comprises at least one of a capacitor and a battery.
In the power management system with energy storage, the electrical storage element is either a capacitor or a battery.
22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the power management circuit further comprises: a voltage regulator in electrical communication with the electrical storage element, the voltage regulator configured to regulate the stored power and output the electrical power of the power management circuit.
In the power management system with energy storage, a voltage regulator stabilizes the stored power from the electrical storage element and provides a regulated electrical power output.
23. The system of claim 20 , wherein the power management circuit further comprises: a voltage shunting circuit in electrical communication with the electrical storage element, the voltage shunting circuit configured to prevent an over-voltage condition for the electrical storage element.
In the power management system with energy storage, a voltage shunting circuit prevents over-voltage conditions on the electrical storage element.
24. The system of claim 13 , wherein the control circuit further comprises: a scaler configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage and output, to the second input of the amplifier, a feedback voltage that is a selectable multiple of the insertion voltage.
In the power management system, the control circuit includes a scaler that adjusts the insertion voltage and outputs a feedback voltage (a multiple of the insertion voltage) to the feedback amplifier.
25. The system of claim 24 , further comprising: a processor configured to control the scaler.
In the power management system with a scaler, a processor controls the scaler, allowing dynamic adjustment of the feedback voltage.
26. A system, comprising: a power management circuit configured to be connected in serial with a current loop in a serial connection with a field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage configured to source the electrical power output by the power management circuit; and a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to an electrical change in the current loop; a feedback amplifier configured to output the feedback sense to the energy pump, comprising: a first input configured to receive a reference voltage; a second input configured to receive a feedback voltage having a value correlating to a multiple of the insertion voltage; and, an output in electrical communication with the energy pump; and a power consuming circuit configured to receive the electrical power from the power management circuit; a loop sense resistor configured to provide a loop current sense of a current in the power management circuit; a loop current sense amplifier configured to receive the loop current sense, and output a loop current sense signal, wherein the loop current sense amplifier is configured to provide a loop current sense signal corresponding to a loop current in the current loop; and a processor in electrical communication with the loop current sense amplifier, the processor is configured to receive the loop current sense signal, wherein the processor is configured to operate in a fast-deployment mode by controlling a scaler and increasing the insertion voltage when a value of the loop current sense signal crosses a threshold.
A power management system harvests energy from a current loop powering a field device. A power management circuit, placed in series with the field device, creates a small voltage drop (insertion voltage) and extracts power. An "energy pump" boosts a portion of this voltage to create a charging voltage that powers a "power consuming circuit." A control circuit with a feedback amplifier regulates the insertion voltage by adjusting the "energy pump" based on current loop changes. The feedback amplifier uses a reference voltage and a scaled version of the insertion voltage. A current sensor measures the loop current. A processor monitors the loop current and, in a "fast-deployment" mode, increases the insertion voltage using a scaler when the loop current exceeds a certain threshold.
27. A system, comprising: a power management circuit configured to be connected in serial with a current loop in a serial connection with a field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage configured to source the electrical power output by the power management circuit; a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to an electrical change in the current loop; and a power consuming circuit configured to receive the electrical power from the power management circuit, wherein the field device is configured to receive a DC voltage from a battery; a voltage converter configured to input the DC voltage from the battery and output the charging voltage to the power management circuit, wherein the voltage converter and a first terminal of the field device are in electrical communication with a first terminal of the battery; a loop sense resistor in electrical communication with a second terminal of the battery, the resistor configured to provide a loop current sense of a current in the power management circuit; a loop current sense amplifier configured to receive loop current sense, and output a loop current sense signal; a current sense resistor in electrical communication with the second terminal of the field device; and, a processor in electrical communication with the loop current sense amplifier, the processor is configured to receive the loop current sense signal, the processor is configured to disable the voltage converter such that the current in the power management circuit is approximately a loop current of the battery in series with the field device, the loop sense resistor, and the current sense resistor.
A power management system harvests energy from a current loop powering a field device. The field device receives power from a battery. A power management circuit, placed in series with the field device, creates a small voltage drop (insertion voltage) and extracts power. An "energy pump" boosts a portion of this voltage to create a charging voltage. A control circuit regulates the insertion voltage by adjusting the "energy pump" based on current loop changes. A voltage converter, connected to the battery, provides the charging voltage to the power management circuit. A loop sense resistor monitors the current flow. If the current becomes too high, a processor disables the voltage converter, allowing the loop current to be determined by a battery, the field device, a loop sense resistor and a current sense resistor.
28. A system, comprising: a power management circuit configured to be connected in serial with a current loop in a serial connection with a field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage configured to source the electrical power output by the power management circuit; a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to an electrical change in the current loop; and a power consuming circuit configured to receive the electrical power from the power management circuit, wherein the field device is configured to receive a DC voltage from a battery; a voltage converter configured to input the DC voltage from the battery and output the charging voltage to the power management circuit, wherein the voltage converter and a first terminal of the field device are in electrical communication with a first terminal of the battery; a loop sense resistor in electrical communication with a second terminal of the battery, the resistor configured to provide a loop current sense of a current in the power management circuit; a loop current sense amplifier configured to receive loop current sense, and output a loop current sense signal; a current sense resistor in electrical communication with the second terminal of the field device; a processor in electrical communication with the loop current sense amplifier, the processor is configured to receive the loop current sense signal, the processor is configured to disable the voltage converter such that the current in the power management circuit is approximately a loop current of the battery in series with the field device, the loop sense resistor, and the current sense resistor; a field device switch configured to selectively create an open circuit condition for the current sense resistor, and, wherein the processor is configured to control the field device switch to selectively create the open circuit condition for the current sense resistor.
A power management system harvests energy from a current loop powering a field device. The field device receives power from a battery. A power management circuit, placed in series with the field device, creates a small voltage drop (insertion voltage) and extracts power. An "energy pump" boosts a portion of this voltage to create a charging voltage. A control circuit regulates the insertion voltage by adjusting the "energy pump" based on current loop changes. A voltage converter, connected to the battery, provides the charging voltage to the power management circuit. A loop sense resistor monitors the current flow. If the current becomes too high, a processor disables the voltage converter, allowing the loop current to be determined by a battery, the field device, a loop sense resistor and a current sense resistor. A switch, controlled by the processor, can create an open circuit for the current sense resistor.
29. A process control apparatus, comprising: a field device; a power supply in electrical communication with the field device, the power supply being configured to transmit a loop current to the field device and the field device being configured to regulate the loop current; a power management circuit configured to be in a serial connection between the power supply and the field device, the power management circuit configured to cause a regulated voltage drop across the serial connection at an insertion voltage, the power management circuit configured to output an electrical power derived from the insertion voltage, the power management circuit comprising: an energy pump configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage, the energy pump configured to input a feedback sense, the energy pump configured to output a charging voltage based at least in part on the feedback sense, the charging voltage being the source of the electrical power output by the power management circuit; and, a control circuit configured to regulate the insertion voltage by modulating the feedback sense to the energy pump, the control circuit configured to modulate the feedback sense at least partially in response to a change in the loop current, wherein the control circuit further comprises: a feedback amplifier configured to output the feedback sense to the energy pump, comprising: a first input configured to receive a reference voltage; a second input configured to receive a feedback voltage having a value correlating to a multiple of the insertion voltage; and, an output in electrical communication with the energy pump; and a wireless communication device in electrical communication with the power management circuit and configured to receive electrical power from the power management circuit; a scaler configured to input at least a portion of the insertion voltage and output, to the second input of the amplifier, a feedback voltage that is a selectable multiple of the insertion voltage; and a processor configured to control the scaler, wherein the processor is configured to operate in a fast-deployment mode and is further configured to increase the insertion voltage by controlling the scaler upon detecting that the loop current has reached a threshold.
A process control system powers a wireless device using energy harvested from the current loop that powers a field device. A power management circuit sits between the power supply and the field device, creating a small, regulated voltage drop (insertion voltage). An "energy pump" inside the power management circuit takes some of this insertion voltage and boosts it to create a charging voltage. This charging voltage powers the wireless device. A control circuit adjusts the "energy pump" to keep the insertion voltage stable, even when the current in the loop changes. The control circuit contains a feedback amplifier that outputs feedback sense to the energy pump. A scaler adjusts a portion of the insertion voltage, providing a selectable multiple for the amplifier's feedback voltage input. A processor controls the scaler to increase insertion voltage when the loop current reaches a defined threshold to facilitate "fast-deployment".
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 24, 2011
August 15, 2017
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.